The African National Congress (ANC) on Thursday called on the Competition Commission to intensify its investigations into the causes of high food prices.
Spokesperson Jessie Duarte said all stakeholders in food prices should convene an urgent meeting to discuss ways of minimising the effect of high food prices on the poor.
”The ANC once again wishes to register its concern over the continued escalation of food prices,” said Duarte.
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) announced on Tuesday that it planned to protest against rising food prices starting from next week.
Spokesperson Patrick Craven said Cosatu would engage in mass demonstrations and demand a reduction in the price of bread and other basic commodities where prices were high.
On Wednesday, Cosatu applied to the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) for permission to hold the food-price protests.
In its application to Nedlac, the federation targeted companies affiliated to Business Unity SA, as it felt they were responsible for price-fixing and increased pricing.
Duarte said the ANC would welcome the opening of dialogue and action on the matter.
The rise in food prices comes hot on the heels of increases in other basic commodities such as the fuel price, all of which have an adverse effect on the poor, she said. — Sapa